1932-2004
Henry Makekau Jr., ex-Kamehameha coach

By Stacy Kaneshiro
Advertiser Staff Writer

One of the winningest Hawai'i high school softball coaches, Henry "Hank" Makekau Jr., died Nov. 7 at Kaiser Foundation Hospital. He was 72.

Makekau coached Kamehameha from 1980 to 1994, leading the Warriors to state titles in 1985, 1987, 1991, 1993 and 1994 and 11 Interscholastic League of Honolulu championships. During his 15 seasons, he compiled a 208-40-3 record.

Makekau was born July 21, 1932, in Lahaina, Maui. He played football, basketball and ran track for Kamehameha, where he graduated in 1951. He went on to play football at Pasadena City College in California before serving in the Navy during the Korean War. He also worked for Hawaiian Telephone for 34 years. He was a member of the Honolulu Elks Lodge.

According to his son, Keali'i, Makekau had been involved in umpiring, which allowed him to establish relationships with softball coaches. It was from those associations he started coaching softball. He had been an assistant to Alika Thompson, whom he eventually succeeded.

He is survived by companion Kathy Wada, sons Anthony K., Kalani H. and Keali'i J.; stepsons Spencer Fernandez and Richard Stein; brother Allen Makekau; sisters Charlotte Kauhi, Maile Corpus and Blossom Waipuna Vierra; and grandchildren Brandi Kanani and Brandon Kupono.

Visitation is at 9 a.m. and a memorial service will start at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Elks B.P.O.E Honolulu Lodge 616, 2933 Kalakaua Ave. Aloha attire is requested and lei or loose flowers are suggested.